Diomande And Raskin Must Start | Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic | OneFootball

After a disastrous 9-1 defeat on aggregate against Club Brugge, Rangers must bounce back from the catastrophe and aim for their first league win under Russell Martin. However, it would take a Herculean effort to humble Celtic, even though they dominated this tie last season and have the home support on Sunday afternoon.

Celtic, on the other hand, suffered a shocking defeat against Kairat Almaty, when the European minnows ended the Bhoys’ Champions League dreams on Tuesday night. Brendan Rodgers received a transfer boost following Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s arrival, and the Northern Irishman would demand a reaction from his men, who must take advantage of Rangers’ dismal run of form.

Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Celtic

Defence

Despite conceding six goals on Wednesday night, Jack Butland helped the ten-man Gers avoid further humiliation by making 10 saves in Belgium. Another busy outing awaits the Englishman, given the frailty in their backline.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 02: Nicolas Raskin and Danilo of Rangers react at full time during the SPL | Premier League match between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Ibrox Stadium on January 02, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Max Aarons’ marching order early into the game ruined their trip, and the gaffer should rely on James Tavernier’s experience on the right, dropping the on-loan Bournemouth fullback. Jayden Meghoma has been handed a starting status straightaway since joining from Brentford on a season-long loan, and the English teenager might retain his place following Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz’s departure. Nasser Djiga has got the nod over Manny Fernandez among the summer recruits, as the Wolves loanee would once again partner with John Souttar in the heart of the backline.

Midfield

Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande troubled the Hoops with goals and assists from the centre of the pitch, and Martin, yet to find his best formation and starting XI, must field them from the beginning. Joe Rothwell has been below par since completing a Bosman move earlier this summer. Yet he might get another opportunity to impress from the base as a deep-lying playmaker. Thelo Aasgaard and Lyall Cameron bring a different kind of threat from advanced roles. But Raskin and Diomande’s chemistry could make things work if Rothwell shows more aggression while engaging in duels and offers his creative spark during transitions.

Rangers are closing in on Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti after confirming Hamza Igamane’s exit. Cyriel Dessers, currently out injured, could also depart before the deadline, and Danilo, therefore, should spearhead the attack this weekend after the failed experiment of deploying Thelo Aasgaard as a ‘number 9’. Oliver Antman might keep his right-wing spot, and the manager should prefer Djeidi Gassama from the left, even though the wide attacking duo have lost their spark in recent games. Mikey Moore and Findlay Curtis must be involved as ‘super subs’ to exhibit their flair and finesse from the flanks.